100 South Okanagan Women hope to make a difference

If Lisa Waines has her way, come April 4 a South Okanagan community group or charity will have at least $5,000 more with which to do their work.

Ms. Waines is the local force behind 100 Women Who Care — South Okanagan, a networking and socializing opportunity that includes a charitable component.

“I heard of the success the men and women’s groups have had in Kelowna,” she explained.

(The men’s group is known as 100 Men Who Give a Damn).

“I thought that would be really neat to get started in our area. It’s great networking for people, socializing and people benefit. It’s a win-win.”

So far, the South Okanagan gathering has a confirmed 50 attendees for its inaugural meeting April 4. Ms. Waines wants to surpass the 100.

“It’s an evening to get together, an hour of networking and socializing and then an hour where three local charities come in and give a presentation,” she explained.

“And at the end of that night, the Ladies vote and whichever charity wins each lady writes a cheque to that charity.”

The expected donation is $100 and all donations — cash or otherwise — are delivered directly to the charity, which in turns provides tax receipts.

“The more women who attend, the more money for the charity.”

The charity is invited back in six months to provide a reporting of how the funds were spent. The two other presenting charities get an opportunity come back in a year, although they do take away increased exposure and often generate donations as well.